Municipal aggregation also will be discussed

DIXON – A pay increase for the Riverfront Commission’s executive manager is on tonight’s City Council agenda.

Members will vote whether to increase Kay Miller’s pay from $200 to $800 a month.

Miller’s monthly salary has been $200 since summer 2011; before that, she was paid $1,000 per month – $200 plus $800 more if the sale of amenities supported it, which she consistently received.

Commissioner Dennis Considine raised concern about the proposed increase at the council’s October meeting.

“I think for big picture, for our community, we need to start being aboveboard and being aware of where we’re spending our money, whether it’s $800 a month or $500 a month,” Considine said.

Two people, Josie Almassy and John Weitzel, told the commission last year that they would do the job for free.

Mayor Jim Burke said the position has more responsibility than most of the public realizes, noting that Miller handles applications for amenities and organizes fundraisers with many details that include setting up electricity and obtaining proper permits.

“I can’t see someone year in and year out handling that on their own time,” Burke said.

The council is also expected to discuss the possibility of a municipal electric aggregation referendum, which grants the city authority to combine households and small businesses into a buying group, resulting in increased buying power and more competitive prices.

This has been defeated twice before as a referendum.

Other items on the agenda include discussion of facade grants for downtown businesses, approval of a tentative tax levy and appointments to the Dixon Tourism Board and Historic Preservation Commission.

To attend

The Dixon City Council meets at 6:30 tonight in council chambers at City Hall, 121 W. Second St.

Agendas and minutes are available at www.discoverdixon.org under "Citizens Information Center," or call City Hall, 815-288-1485.